Lewis Howes grew up playing almost every sport available in high school and continued on to play professional football. He then moved his competitive side over to business when he created his podcast, “The School of Greatness.” His podcast became a global phenomenon and was more successful than he ever imagined.

However, his whole identity was created on what society and the media said masculinity should be. He grew up to be living a false life and never felt like he was enough.

When Howes was 30, he was thriving on the outside but felt unfulfilled inside. He began a journey to discover inner peace and to unveil the masks that men wear. He consulted some of the world’s best doctors, psychologists, and celebrities such as Tony Robbins and Ray Lewis to find the answers he was looking for. His journey created his must-read book, The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives.

In this book, Howes explains the emptiness of the "Material" Mask, which is the man who seeks wealth above everything else; the vulnerability hiding behind the "Joker" and "Stoic" Masks worn by men who don't show any emotion; and the harm caused by the "Invincible" and "Aggressive" Masks that are worn by risk-taking men who don't back down from a fight. In this book, Howes teaches men to move past the walls that hold them back and shows women how to understand the men they love.

Here are six reasons why everyone should read this book:

1. It is written by a man.

Women have often addressed the shortcomings of men in literature, while men have historically avoided writing about the deeper issues that men face. Men have chosen the passive method of dealing with their emotions, leading to this vast assortment of the “masks” explained in this book.

These masks are easy to recognize once they are pointed out. The author explains the stoic mask, along with the material, alpha, know-it-all, sexual, invincible, joker, and aggressive masks, all of which bring about devastation in some way.

2. He tells it like it is.

Howes addresses the myths that are at the center of common phrases such as "Real men don't cry" and "Don't let them see you sweat."

3. There is a lot of research presented.

This book includes interviews with professionals as well as scientific research. Redears will learn why testosterone is actually not so bad, why males are not up to par with females in educational settings, and the real reasons behind the highest suicide rates in America and mass murders that are seemingly only done by males.

4. He talks about his personal story.

Howes becomes vulnerable himself when he describes his own journey of childhood abuse to his life dreams being torn away from him as a young adult.

Most men can relate to half of what the author experienced, and the remaining half can relate to the challenges that he faced due to the devastating trauma he endured. Everyone is born into this chaotic world, and men have been taught for centuries by their fathers, teachers, and coaches, that they must put on these masks and use them as their own identities.

5. There is great information for women as well.

If you are close to a man, you are likely experiencing one of these masks in your day-to-day life. Women need to know how to recognize the issues that men are facing and what they can do to help and understand why men behave the way that they do. Howes offers practical advice for men on how to take these masks off, but also to women on how to help men do this.

6. You won't look at masculinity the same.

Mr. Macho is finished and the truth is, those guys never actually existed. As The Mask of Masculinity says, those are only ideas of masculinity, they do not represent the truth.

Real masculinity is messy and vulnerable. It is not about having everything together. It’s not about never feeling pain or always being the winner.

This book uncovers what masculinity is really about and is a refreshing read for anyone.

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